Cam Davis had no idea he was putting Adam Scott’s streak of playing in 91 consecutive majors in the hands of others after taking down his fellow Australian in a three-hole qualifying playoff for a spot in next week’s U.S Open.
Former Masters champion Scott, who has played in every major championship since the 2001 U.S. Open, currently sits at 60 on the world rankings, right on the cut-off for qualification for next week’s championship at Pinehurst.
But he isn’t in the field for this week’s Memorial Tournament, putting his ranking in jeopardy, although USGA officials are yet to make a call on the spot in the field currently held by Grayson Murray, who was ranked 58 before his tragic death last week.
Scott entered qualifying in a bid to keep his major streak alive, but bogeyed the final hole of his 36th hole for the day at Springfield Country Club in Ohio, where he was one of 64 players vying for four spots, to finish equal fourth with countryman Davis who is ranked 68th.
On the first sudden death hole, Scott chipped in from off the green for a birdie, putting the pressure back on his younger compatriot, who followed him with a brilliant putt to take the showdown to a second hole.
But given another chance, Davis drilled his second shot on to a few feet and tapped in for a birdie on the third hole to earn his US Open spot, with Scott left as first alternate, pending any rankings movement next week.
Scott could still get in via an exemption from the USGA, he could keep his rankings spot, or he could also get in should anyone else pull out, being first alternate.
Davis said he was “not aware” of Scott’s streak after taking him down.
“I was not aware, but I wouldn’t have tried any less,” he told the Golf Channel after his win.
“Damn, it just goes to show how good a player he is. I had to hit a cracking shot to get on top of him.
“He’s been an idol of mine, it’s great to play great golf against him. Hopefully he still finds a way in.
“Fingers crossed we can both be there.”
Scott’s major streak is the longest among active players and the 42-year-old, who finished in a tie for 42nd at last week’s Canadian Open to drop from 58 to 60, is adamant he can still compete at the top level.
“I think my game is in better shape than results are showing,” Scott said last week when he arrived at Colonial. “I know pretty much everyone who is not in the top 10 in the world is probably saying that, but that’s how I feel.”
He tied for 12th at Colonial, so he at least has a fighting chance. That moved him up four spots to No. 58. Scott is playing the Canadian Open this week, and the USGA will take the top 60 in the world after the Memorial the following week.